NIR 'On Line' Dangers Highlighted

Translink in partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has reminded everyone about the importance of rail safety this summer.

They are working together to prevent potentially hazardous incidents of trespassing and dangerous behaviour on or near NI Railway (NIR) trains, tracks, railway crossings and on station platforms.

Each year during the summer period, incidents of pedestrian trespassing increase significantly with 114 recorded last July and August.

Additionally, over the past three years an average of 10 incidents of motorist and pedestrian misuse at public crossings has been recorded every month. A total of 121 people were prosecuted in the past year due to safety related incidents and were fined a total of £13,000

Head of Road Policing, Superintendent Muir Clark said: "Attempting to drive across level crossings as the barriers are being lowered is an incredibly dangerous practice which could kill or seriously injure vehicle occupants or train passengers.

"Most crossings have full or half barriers and traffic light signals. Drivers must stop behind the white line across the road when the lights come on. If you have already crossed the white line when the amber lights or audible alarm start, continue on through the crossing," he said.

"Never zigzag around the barriers. They are being lowered because a train is approaching. Never drive on to a crossing until the road ahead on the other side of the crossing is clear. Do not drive nose to tail over it and never stop on or just after a level crossing.

"If the barriers stay down and the red lights continue to flash after a train has passed you must wait as another train will soon be approaching.

"Please remember that it is only safe to cross when the lights go off and any barriers open. Police will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any driver found misusing level crossings," he continued.

Lynda Shannon, Communications Manager at Translink said: "Safety continues to be a priority for Translink, which is why we are running the Deadline campaign.

"Many young people are oblivious to the very real dangers of 'messing around' near railway tracks. They are putting themselves and the lives of other rail users at severe risk without thinking of the consequences of their actions.

"The rules are simple, 'Think Safe - Stay Safe'. Never play on or near tracks, stay clear of the platform unless you are using the train, don't use the tracks as a shortcut and use railway crossings safely.

"These warnings also extend to motorists - don't be tempted to jump the lights or beat the barriers at crossings, especially as our Class 4000 trains are being tested across the network in the coming months and travelling at speeds of up to 90mph.

"We have CCTV in operation at stations and level crossings and in addition, there are a number of railway employees based at crossings who record all instances of trespassing and misuse. The risk of getting caught and potentially getting a criminal record is just too great," she said, noting that CCTV is in operation at stations, railway crossings and on most trains and that Translink monitors inappropriate behaviour and prosecutes anyone caught damaging property or endangering others.

(BMcC/GK)